Meet Marynes Cabrera, an Avangrid Renewables Project Engineer – Developmental Engineering.  She works in the Austin, TX office.

How long have you been at AVANGRID?

I’ve been with Avangrid for almost 3 yrs now (will be 3 yrs in May), including three months as a summer intern in 2018 and two years as a rotational for the Engineering Development Program (2018-2020) and four months as a Project Engineer for Avangrid Renewables.

What do you like about working with your team?

We all have different backgrounds and therefore different skills, so we work really well in collaborating with each other and bringing different new ideas to the table. They all have been of great support and guidance for me during my first years in the company as a rotational, so I’m really happy to have now joined the team since November 2020, for a permanent position as a Project Engineer.

You’re a former intern and participant in the engineer rotational program. How did those programs influence your decision to work at AVANGRID?

I’m really thankful for each of these opportunities because it allowed me to make great connections with different people, explore different areas of the business and set my mind on my interests and ideal job.

The internship was a great introduction to the business and a great start for making connections.

The rotational program allowed me to explore and dive deeper into different areas, as well as strengthen my connections. This program made me realize the infinite opportunities that the company offers with the desire to form future leaders of the industry, which played a big part on my decision to work at Avangrid.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Women’s History Month for me is a way to celebrate and honor all the women that have been of great influence to our culture and society, by contributing on historic events.

I think is a great way to remind ourselves of the great impact we can have in our community and empower this and future generations to continue to lead the change for equality and challenges that women continue to face now.

What has helped your career? Did you have sponsors or mentors along the way? Who were they and how did they encourage you?

I feel that moving to a different country at 19 years of age made me stronger, more dependent and helped me built a strong mind set and determination. I’ve lived in different countries since I was 19 years old, which let me to meet incredible people along the way that have supported me, guided me and have influenced my career development.

My family has always been my main support and have encouraged me throughout every step and every decision I’ve taken.

At the start of my career with AVANGRID, I had amazing mentors that patiently guided me and trusted me. During my first months as an intern at Avangrid Renewables, my mentor was Scott Kringen, and Sara Parsons my manager. They both were so great with me, and took so much of their time to answer my questions. I learned so much from them and really enjoyed working with them during the summer internship.

After I joined the EDP rotational Program, my mentor was Ben Kester, and my manager was Wayne Mays. Ben and Wayne were exceptional and could not have asked for better guidance during my first two years. Words are not enough to thank them all for all their help, patience, guidance, support and words of encouragement. They are great role models and admire them all as professionals.

How do you feel about the current roles of women in the workplace? How do you see it improving?

I feel that over the past years, women are entering and flourishing in a variety of different professions. There is more social awareness and therefore more social support than ever before and is helping women thrive and encouraging them to overcome restrictions that existed before. Despite the enormous progress, women still face more obstacles than men. This will improve by encouraging and set an example to our younger generations to treat each other equally despite their gender, race, nationality, or religion.

What do you do in your spare time for fun?

In my spare time, I enjoy time in nature: either hiking, camping, or just siting outside for a breath of fresh air. I also play piano, like to go for a run or practice yoga